Body Services

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Tummy Tuck | Abdominoplasty | Dothan Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck") is a surgical procedure that helps to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles.

The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy, although results from the procedure will diminish if they continue to bear children. For this reason, women who plan to have children again are advised to delay abdominoplasty. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in that area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.

The procedure takes approximately two to five hours and is performed under general anesthesia with a 1 - 2 night hospital stay. Recovery time ranges from six weeks to a few months, but with a continued balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting.

Abdominoplasty will likely leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it. Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure. Other, rare post-operative complications include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.

Dr. Baker will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and one around the navel. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin, fat and tissue are removed, and the navel is reattached. Finally, the incisions will be sutured, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Liposuction

Liposuction Dothan The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the U.S. today, liposuction sculpts the body by removing undesirable fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, neck and upper arms that have not responded to diet and exercise. The liposuction procedure is done under general anesthesia and can last anywhere from one to five hours depending on the number of areas being treated and amount of fat being removed.

Dr. Baker uses the patented VASER® Lipo. This is an advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. VASER® Lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape the body. VASER® Lipo is distinguished by its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues. A tiny incision is made in as inconspicuous a place as possible. A small probe that transmits sound energy is inserted and used to break apart fatty tissue while preserving other important tissue. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

Risks are uncommon when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon but may include infection, delays in healing, fat clots, blood clots, fluid accumulation that must be drained, uneven contours, rippling or loose skin.

After surgery, a compression garment is worn to facilitate the healing process. Initial healing will include swelling, numbness, soreness, bruising and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as they are able, and healing will continue for several weeks.

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